GAC Aion V Plus vs Chevrolet Equinox EV
Head-to-head comparison for the Canadian market. Which electric vehicle offers the best value in 2026?
GAC Aion V Plus
$45,000
CAD before incentives
600 km
Range
Chevrolet Equinox EV
$42,995
CAD
515 km
Range
Our Verdict
The GAC Aion V Plus is estimated $2,005 above the Chevrolet Equinox EV, and offers 85 km more range. China-built EVs are not eligible for the federal EVAP rebate. Quebec's Roulez vert pays up to $2,000, with no country-of-origin restriction, but only for a vehicle on the program's eligible list and registered by December 31, 2026, when the program ends. Until the GAC Aion V Plus is on sale in Canada, nothing guarantees it will qualify.
Who Should Buy the GAC Aion V Plus?
The GAC Aion V Plus is the better pick if maximizing value matters more than dealer coverage. At an estimated $45,000 CAD before any rebate, it sits $2,005 above the Chevrolet Equinox EV and delivers 600 km of rated range — enough to cover two weeks of average Canadian commuting between charges. You also get 85 km more range than the Chevrolet Equinox EV, which matters on longer Trans-Canada Highway trips.
Best for: urban drivers in Toronto, Montreal, Vancouver and Calgary who want the latest battery tech (LFP chemistry is widely used by Chinese OEMs, offering better safety and longer cycle life than older NMC packs), don't rely on a single dealer network, and are comfortable with a brand that is newer to the Canadian market but dominant globally.
Who Should Buy the Chevrolet Equinox EV?
The Chevrolet Equinox EV remains a strong choice if dealer access, service infrastructure, and resale value are top priorities. At $42,995 CAD, it costs $2,005 less upfront. It may qualify for the federal EVAP rebate (up to $5,000 in 2026) if its final transaction value, mandatory fees included, is $50,000 or less.
Best for: buyers who value an established dealership footprint across all 10 provinces, easier access to OEM service and parts, and predictable Canadian warranty handling.
5-Year Ownership Costs (Canada)
Based on 20,000 km/year, $0.12/kWh average Canadian electricity rate, 4% annual insurance cost, and 1% annual maintenance — typical for a new EV kept for 5 years.
GAC Aion V Plus
- Purchase
- $45,000
- Electricity (5 yr)
- +$2,160
- Insurance (5 yr)
- +$9,000
- Maintenance (5 yr)
- +$2,250
- Total
- $58,410
Chevrolet Equinox EV
- Purchase
- $42,995
- Electricity (5 yr)
- +$2,160
- Insurance (5 yr)
- +$8,599
- Maintenance (5 yr)
- +$2,150
- Total
- $55,904
💡 Over 5 years, the GAC Aion V Plus is estimated to cost $2,506 CAD more than the Chevrolet Equinox EV, before any rebate.
What This Means for Canadian Buyers
The Canadian EV market is at a turning point in 2026. With the federal iZEV program renamed EVAP in February 2026, eligibility has tightened to vehicles manufactured in Canada or FTA partner countries with an MSRP under $50,000 — effectively excluding Chinese-made EVs from the $5,000 federal rebate. Quebec's Roulez vert program was also reduced from $7,000 to $2,000 in January 2026 and is scheduled to end December 31, 2026. BC, Nova Scotia and New Brunswick provincial programs have all ended.
Despite these headwinds, the GAC Aion V Plus remains attractive because its base price ($45,000) is already below the equivalent gas-powered compact segment once you factor in the 5-year fuel savings of around $$13,200versus a typical 8 L/100 km gasoline vehicle. The Chevrolet Equinox EV may qualify for the federal EVAP rebate if its final transaction value is $50,000 or less; the starting prices above are shown before any rebate.
Range matters differently depending on where you live. In Ontario and Quebec, where winter temperatures drop to -20°C, both vehicles will lose approximately 25% of their rated range — the GAC Aion V Plus at 450 km and the Chevrolet Equinox EV at 386 km.Use our incentive calculator to model your province, or browse the Quebec charging guide and Ontario charging guide to plan around your local network.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the GAC Aion V Plus better than the Chevrolet Equinox EV?
The GAC Aion V Plus is estimated $2,005 above the Chevrolet Equinox EV in Canada. It offers 85 km more range. However, the Chevrolet Equinox EV has established dealer networks across Canada. The best choice depends on your priorities: the newer entrant (GAC Aion V Plus) or price and brand familiarity (Chevrolet Equinox EV).
How much can I save with the GAC Aion V Plus vs Chevrolet Equinox EV?
Nothing on purchase price: the GAC Aion V Plus is estimated $2,005 CAD above the Chevrolet Equinox EV. These are starting prices before any rebate. Both are electric, so fuel and maintenance savings against a gasoline vehicle are similar.
When will the GAC Aion V Plus be available in Canada?
Chinese EV brands are expected to begin Canadian sales in late 2026. Sign up for notifications on China-EV.ca to be alerted when specific models become available at dealerships near you.
Does the Chevrolet Equinox EV qualify for the federal EVAP rebate?
It may: the federal EVAP rebate (up to $5,000 in 2026) is reserved for vehicles built in Canada or in a country that has a free-trade agreement with Canada, and requires a final transaction value of $50,000 or less, mandatory fees included (no cap for vehicles built in Canada). Check Transport Canada's eligible-vehicle list for the exact trim.
What's the 5-year total cost of ownership for the GAC Aion V Plus?
Over 5 years and 100,000 km of driving in Canada, the GAC Aion V Plus costs approximately $58,410 CAD including purchase price ($45,000), electricity (~$2,160), insurance (~$9,000), and maintenance (~$2,250). That's $2,506 more than the Chevrolet Equinox EV's $55,904 total.